Playing with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

[Guest MoJo]

I have recently developed carpal tunnel syndrome. It’s more noticeable in my left (fretting) hand where the thumb and first two fingers are numb almost all the time. I have gigs on the horizon. Does anyone have any tips for playing whilst suffering with the condition?

[AndyTravis]

2 minutes ago, MoJo said:

I have recently developed carpal tunnel syndrome. It’s more noticeable in my left (fretting) hand where the thumb and first two fingers are numb almost all the time. I have gigs on the horizon. Does anyone have any tips for playing whilst suffering with the condition?

Don’t play at all unless you absolutely have to (the gigs)

 

erm. That.

 

 

[Delberthot]

Try to keep your fingers and hands as loose as possible. I have a tendency to get really hyper during a gig and play far too hard.

 

Avoid sugar like the plague as i have found that this can make it worse. Caffeine too as it can dehydrate you - you need to drink as much fluid as you can.

 

Also avoid peanuts as they can cause a flammatory response in your wrists and joints.

 

The downside to this is that I enjoy coffee and wedding cake during the gig so have had to knock that on the head

 

Plus what Andy said above. I don't pick up my bass at home unless I have a song to learn or strings to change

[Geek99]

See if your local hospital has a hand clinic …

my CTS was fixed in a ten minute wrist op under local anaesthetic 

[Geek99]

I used to get one hand go Ice cold, or numb or tingly. 
loosening the tendons around my wrist reduced pressure on the nerves and it’s a complete cure 

our local clinic was originally formed to help ww2 bomber crews with burnt hands 

[Geek99]

In the short term

try anti inflammatory gel rubbed into the full circumference of your wrist 

[EdLib-3]

 

 

@MoJo buy yourself a copy of Sharon J. Butler's book 'Conquering Carpal Tunnel Syndrome'

 

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Conquering-Carpal-Syndrome-Repetitive-Injuries/dp/1572240393

 

The exercises and stretches in this book for fingers, wrist and forearms helped me a lot with my Carpal Tunnel problems. I was made aware of it on this very forum would you believe?! The exercises aren't fun to do, but doing them regularly really sorted me (and quite a few others on here) out.

Edited October 27, 2021 by EdLib-3

[Bassfinger]

Pay great attention to hand positioning and the height at which you wear the bass.

 

Im guessing that not practicing is not an atteactive option?  In that case, rest your hand/wrist bas much as possibly between times by wearing a brace/support.

 

And seek the advice of a specialist.

[Staggering on]

11 hours ago, EdLib-3 said:

 

 

@MoJo buy yourself a copy of Sharon J. Butler's book 'Conquering Carpal Tunnel Syndrome'

 

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Conquering-Carpal-Syndrome-Repetitive-Injuries/dp/1572240393

 

The exercises and stretches in this book for fingers, wrist and forearms helped me a lot with my Carpal Tunnel problems. I was made aware of it on this very forum would you believe?! The exercises aren't fun to do, but doing them regularly really sorted me (and quite a few others on here) out.

 

 Definitely not fun to do but it helped in my case.👍

[Rich]

15 hours ago, Geek99 said:

See if your local hospital has a hand clinic …

my CTS was fixed in a ten minute wrist op under local anaesthetic 

 

This. I've had CTS in both wrists at one time or another. One of them had got to the stage where the pain was waking me up at night. Wearing a splint helped but obvs that's a bit of a non-starter when trying to play, so I went for the surgery and have never regretted it for a microsecond. All the numbness disappeared once the nerves had decompressed. 

[NoRhino]

I bought something like this and use it while playing.  Keeps the wrist and carpal tunnel area well supported.  I had a CT release operation several years ago and am in a queue for another one but have never had to consider not gigging. 

 

Breathable Universal Carpal Tunnel Wrist Support Brace Wrap Splint - For RSI Arthritis Sprain Strain - Fully Adjustable Easy To Fit Ideal for protection and recovery - Unisex - Fits Right & Left Hand https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B075RCJS11/ref=cm_sw_r_awdo_navT_g_N2VT13AF2RTTW2HNQ7R7

Edited October 28, 2021 by NoRhino

[gjones]

Been there, got the T-shirt.

 

Had CT in both wrists. Had an operation on left hand and within 2 weeks was back playing gigs.

 

Right wrist was not so severe, so now I wear a velcro weightlifters brace (cheap and unobtrusive) while I'm playing.

 

I also wear my bass low so my right wrist is straight.

 

Make sure you wear splints in bed.

 

Go to doctor and bug him/her to get surgery. I had to give them a hard time before I got an appointment with a neurologist, who recommended surgery. 

Edited October 28, 2021 by gjones

[Staggering on]

3 hours ago, NoRhino said:

I bought something like this and use it while playing.  Keeps the wrist and carpal tunnel area well supported.  I had a CT release operation several years ago and am in a queue for another one but have never had to consider not gigging. 

 

Breathable Universal Carpal Tunnel Wrist Support Brace Wrap Splint - For RSI Arthritis Sprain Strain - Fully Adjustable Easy To Fit Ideal for protection and recovery - Unisex - Fits Right & Left Hand https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B075RCJS11/ref=cm_sw_r_awdo_navT_g_N2VT13AF2RTTW2HNQ7R7

 

I used one of these and it definitely helped my left hand/wrist when I was playing my DB and EUB, not so much with EB. I have recovered enough that I don't use it now.